Scotland's whisky distillers are to benefit from government funding towards the development of a green hydrogen hub in Moray. Scottish Government funding of £3.1 million will support the construction of a new regional hub in Speyside, bringing approximately 100 permanent high skilled, high value jobs to the area.
Revenue generated for Scotland's public services increased by £1.7 billion last year to £88.5 billion, driven by a strong labour market, progressive taxation and renewable energy, official statistics show. Total spending for Scotland increased to £111.2 billion, with additional funding for the NHS and Scottish Child Payment reflecting Scottish Government priorities of investing in public services and eradicating child poverty.
The funding is the first release from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund. The UK Government is announcing the immediate release of £13.5 million in funding to support supply chain businesses and workers affected by Tata Steel's decision to transition to greener steelmaking.
Plans to means-test Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see the Scottish Government's funding cut by up to £160 million. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Scottish Government therefore has no alternative but to replicate the decision in Scotland and restrict payments to pensioners who receive eligible benefits.
Falling North Sea revenue leads to an increase in the deficit on Scotland's net fiscal balance, while onshore performance improves. The deficit on Scotland’s net fiscal balance has increased since last year, driven by falling North Sea revenue, which offset strong growth in income tax and onshore corporation tax.
New report shows offshore wind industry in New Zealand can flourish through UK collaboration. A new report published today illustrates the unique opportunity that the UK and New Zealand have to unlock the full potential of New Zealand's offshore wind industry.
The pay proposal could see an end to 2 years of industrial action, protect passengers from further national strikes and improve the reliability of services. Following a series of positive talks led by the government, ASLEF has today (14 August 2024) agreed to recommend a new pay proposal to its members.
The Royal Air Force are using sustainable aviation fuel on routine operations for the first time. The Royal Air Force is ensuring Britain is secure while using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on routine operations for the first time - a move that will cut carbon emissions and bolster energy security.
The annual Government Expenditure and Revenue report underlines the collective economic strength of the UK, says Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill. The collective economic strength of the UK means higher spending on public services in Scotland, according to new figures released today [14 August].
UK GDP showed no growth month-on-month in June, following 0.4% growth in May, with quarterly growth of 0.6%. The monthly result reflects a modest fall in services output, offset by growth in both Production and Construction.
Survey ranks banks so that customers can easily compare services and get the best deal - at a time when many are keeping a close eye on their finances. Today the CMA is publishing the results of the latest banking satisfaction survey.
A recent study by Lloyds Bank found that 49% of holiday scams begin on Facebook or Facebook Marketplace. There has been a 7% rise in holiday purchase scams since 2023.
For the Kremlin, its "partner of no limits", China, isn't doing enough to aid Russia's war against Ukraine. So, Russia has signed a peace treaty with North Korea, hoping to pressure China into backing Moscow's war effort further.
Preparing to deliver safe, sustainable, low-carbon energy to the grid from fusion reactions requires developing the necessary skills pathways today. Collaboration between stakeholders is key, and to this end the UK Fusion Skills Council is today announcing the appointment of two new co-chairs to support the growth of the fusion sector and workforce.
Intervention by the Scottish Government has led to the suspension of planned industrial action by council workers, including refuse collectors, this week. The action has been suspended by all three trade unions after the Scottish Government provided £77.5 million to fund an improved pay offer.
The estimated number of vacancies in the UK in May to July 2024 was 884,000, a decrease of 26,000 or 2.8% from February to April 2024. Vacancy numbers decreased on the quarter for the 25th consecutive period in May to July 2024, with vacancies decreasing in 10 of the 18 industry sectors.
Scottish businesses have been awarded grants to help grow their innovative energy-saving projects in a new round of Scottish Government funding totalling £7.2 million. The Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF) supports projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions that are created during energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
Annual growth in employees' average regular earnings (excluding bonuses) was 5.4%; growth was last lower than this in May to July 2022, when it was 5.2%. Annual growth in total earnings (including bonuses) was 4.5%; however, this total growth rate is affected by comparing with a period including June 2023, when the NHS one-off bonuses were paid.
September's peak renewal time. Not due to renew? Check anyway - some can save £100s New car registrations are released in September (and March), and these months tend to be the busiest for car insurance renewals.
This month's labour market figures show that the number of vacancies is continuing to fall, although these are still 11.0% higher than in January to March 2020. The unemployment rate is slightly below that of a year ago, while there was a modest increase in both the total number of people in employment and the number of payrolled employees in the latest quarter.
